Can I say it?
Can I say “risk free” in a med spa ad?
Usually no. 3 rules fired across 3 sample sentences, and the checker's own text explains why.
The short answer
Usually no. The checker blocks the bare phrase in this setting. The first rule it hits is CG-ABS-003. Its reason: Claims of no risk or no side effects are unsubstantiated safety claims.
Source the rule cites: FTC Act section 5; FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance; 21 CFR 202.1 (prescription drug advertising, fair balance)
Checked as an ad promoting a clinical service.
A clear result is not an all-clear. The checker flags wording for review and does not know your evidence, your state or your platform's review. Read the limitations.
Sample wording, run through the checker
These are sentences written to contain the phrase, not real claims. Each ran through the real engine and the shipped rule-set when this site was built.
Risk free, try it today.
- BlockingCG-ABS-003Absolute promises. Matched: “Risk free”
- Blocking
CG-EFF-013Efficacy and proof. Matched: “Risk free”
A non-invasive, risk free procedure.
- BlockingCG-ABS-003Absolute promises. Matched: “risk free”
- Blocking
CG-EFF-013Efficacy and proof. Matched: “risk free”
Risk free fat removal with no downtime.
- BlockingCG-ABS-003Absolute promises. Matched: “Risk free”
- Blocking
CG-EFF-013Efficacy and proof. Matched: “Risk free” - Warning
CG-TRK-009Absolute promises. Matched: “with no downtime”
What to say instead
This version came back with no rule fired:
Every procedure carries some risk. Book a consult and we will go through the risks that apply to you.
What the rules themselves suggest:
- CG-ABS-003 State known risks and side effects fairly, or say who should talk to a clinician first.
- CG-EFF-013 Remove safety absolutes. Describe known risks and who should not use the product.
- CG-TRK-009 Remove absolutes. State known risks and side effects in plain terms and avoid claiming safety over approved options.
The rules behind this answer
Reason, source and citation for each rule that fired, in the checker's own words. Blocking rules come first.
CG-ABS-003 · Blocks approval · Citation checked against stored text
Claims of no risk or no side effects are unsubstantiated safety claims.
Source: FTC Act section 5; FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance; 21 CFR 202.1 (prescription drug advertising, fair balance)
Safer wording: State known risks and side effects fairly, or say who should talk to a clinician first.
21 CFR 202.1 · Needs counsel review
CG-EFF-013 · Blocks approval
Saying a treatment or product is completely safe or has no side effects is a safety absolute that cannot be substantiated and hides real risks.
Source: FTC Act section 5; FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance; FDCA 502(n) (risk information in drug advertising)
Safer wording: Remove safety absolutes. Describe known risks and who should not use the product.
See source text · Needs counsel review
CG-TRK-009 · Warns
Absolute safety claims such as no hospital visits, no risk or zero recovery cannot be substantiated for medical procedures or hormone products and hide real adverse-event risk.
Source: FTC Act section 5 and FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance (2022) on substantiation; FDA position on compounded bioidentical hormones; 21 USC 352(a)
Safer wording: Remove absolutes. State known risks and side effects in plain terms and avoid claiming safety over approved options.
See source text · Needs counsel review
Background: Clear and conspicuous in the glossary.
Questions
Which rule covers claims that downplay risk?
Rule CG-ABS-003. It cites 21 CFR 202.1. The rule's reason: Claims of no risk or no side effects are unsubstantiated safety claims.
What should I write instead?
The rule's own suggestion for rule CG-ABS-003: State known risks and side effects fairly, or say who should talk to a clinician first.
If the checker shows nothing, can I publish?
No. A clean result means none of the checker's rules matched. It does not weigh your evidence, your state or your platform's review, and it is not legal advice. Read the limitations page for what it misses.
Next step
Check your own wording
Paste your copy into the free checker. Every flag names its rule and its source.